A method of adding a device to an existing or new electrical or electronic automation or multimedia network. The invention facilitates adding a device to the network that can communicate using various protocols such as LonWorks, CEBus, X-10, etc. over media such as AC power line, IR, RF, twisted pair, optical fiber, etc. The method is a mechanism for adding a device to a system that can be used by an ordinary user of network capable electrical devices. The method comprises the steps an installer would perform including the handshaking that needs to occur between devices to accomplish the binding process. A Functional Profile for LonWorks networks is given as an example. This includes a Home device profile that employs an automated explicit type messaging for all devices intended for use in a home environment. The invention includes adding to the device an install button and a visual indicator for status such as an LED. Alternatively, existing buttons and LEDs on the device may be used for installed and binding purposes. Other methods of binding can be employed by the use of wired or wireless handheld tools, remote controls, etc. Other interfaces and user feedback can be used such as touch screen, personal computers, cellular phones, PDAs, etc which can offer simple ‘virtual’ binding by the press of an icon versus the physical button on the device. The binding can be performed locally or remotely such as via LAN, WAN, Internet, etc.
|
1. A method of installing and binding a device previously wired into an automation or multimedia network when said device is the first device to be installed in said network, said method comprising the steps of:
placing said device in a first-device installation mode of operation;
transmitting a command to the device confirming that the device is in the installation mode of operation;
selecting by said device a domain id having an associated length;
transmitting said domain id selected by said device to determine that it is not in use by any other device on said network;
selecting by said device a subnet number and a device id number; and
generating an indication to indicate that the installation of said device onto said network is complete.
2. The method according to
3. The method according to
4. The method according to
5. The method according to
6. The method according to
7. The method according to
querying said network using said assigned domain id;
listening for a response to said query; and
selecting by the device a new domain id different than the first domain id selected by the device in the event a response is received within a predetermined time period.
8. The method according to
querying said network using said domain id selected by said device;
listening for a response to said query;
selecting a new domain id by the device that is different than the first selected domain id in the event a response is received within a predetermined time period; and
querying said network using said selected domain id at least on additional two times in the event a response is not received within a predetermined time period.
9. The method according to
querying said network using said assigned device id number selected by said device;
listening for a response to said query;
selecting by said device id number different than the first selected device id number in the event a response is received within a predetermined time period; and
querying said network using said last selected device id number at least an additional two times in the event a response is not received within a predetermined time period.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/116,832, filed Jan. 22, 1999, entitled “Apparatus For and Method of Binding A Device to a Network Interoperable,” incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates generally to the field of home automation and more particularly to a method of adding (e.g., binding) one or more devices to an electrical network such as the LonWorks automation network or a multimedia network.
Today, automation systems are being installed in more and more buildings, including both new construction and in structures that are being rebuilt. The incentives for putting automation systems into a building are numerous. High on the list are reduced operating costs, more efficient use of energy, simplified control of building systems, ease of maintenance and of effecting changes to the systems. Facility managers would prefer to install systems that can interoperate amongst each other and also be able to make additions and changes to the system in an efficient manner. Interoperability is defined by different products, devices and systems for different tasks and developed by different manufacturers, which can be linked together to form flexible, functional control networks.
An example of a typical automation system includes lighting controls, HVAC systems, security systems, fire alarm systems and motor drives all possibly provided by different manufacturers. It is desirable if these separate disparate systems can communicate and operate with each other.
One of the major technological issues, however, that have hindered the proliferation of automation systems (such as LonWorks and others) in the home, is that users feel (1) it takes too long, (2) that it always requires a computer and (3) that it is too complicated a process to install and setup a device. In particular, the part of the installation or configuration process that is most problematic is the binding portion, where electrical devices are configured to be recognized by other entities on the network once they have been physically and electrically installed.
The term ‘home automation’ has been around for more than 25 years, but the average homeowner does know what this term means. Within the home, it is becoming more and more popular to utilize devices which communication over a network or bus structure to autonomously control various aspects of the home environment without the need for direct interaction by the inhabitants. As an example, an application might be to use a motion sensor to detect the presence of a car in the driveway. The system would then send a signal to the home controller that something was present. In response, the controller may query the security portion of the system to check if the visitor is not an intruder, and upon the absence of an alarm condition, would open the garage door and change the status of the home from ‘away’ to ‘home’. Subsequently, the system may disarm one or more security zones on the premises and has the lighting subsystem illuminate the driveway and walkway lighting systems. The HVAC subsystem may turn the hot water boiler on for an anticipated bath and turn on the air conditioner or heater in one or more rooms in the home. In addition, the entertainment system may recognize the homeowner and play chosen music selections, or turn on the television and tune to a favorite channel.
This type of automation control requires explicit communication between the various control, sensor and data devices in the home. The various subsystems that are required to communicate with each other include lighting, security, HVAC, entertainment and information/Internet, for example. The complexity in setting up the system grows, as the complexity of the features installed in the home becomes more sophisticated. Unfortunately, setting up a system using currently available devices is not as simple as choosing the desired devices and wiring them into the network. Wiring the devices is relatively simple and straightforward; the task of ensuring that devices know whom they are, what they are supposed to do and how to talk to other devices on the network is difficult.
Prior to installing a home automation system, the installer must (1) select suitable equipment and devices; (2) appraise the infrastructure requirements, e.g., phase couplers, repeaters, filters, routers, gateways, etc.; (3) appraise the tools required to physically and electrically install the devices; (4) appraise the tools to bind devices together; and (5) appraise the tools to set the functionality in each device.
The expertise needed to perform all these tasks dictates who the installer can be and ultimately who the customer can be. As the technical expertise of the installer increases, the cost to employ that installer increases, adding cost to the automation system. Currently, for proprietary networks, a specialized team or dealer network is trained to install the home automation products. For open protocols, often times a custom installer or system integrator is to integrate the various applications together. Here too, the individuals used to install and/or integrate the devices typically consist of a specialized team to integrate the various subsystems together.
The average homeowner typically does not have technical knowledge and thus most of the products directed to homeowners plug into wallbox receptacles or are battery operated. Communications, if present, is usually accomplished over AC wiring or via RF. If addressing is required, the devices come preconfigured, i.e., prebound, or the user interface includes setting a position on a switch. Popular examples of this type of product include X-plug-in products.
The do-it-yourselfer (DIY) is considered to have a bit more technical knowledge that the average homeowner. This person will install devices in place of currently present AC receptacles, switches, etc. in the home. They may modify the wiring within the home to accommodate the devices to be installed. An electrician may be called in to accomplish this. The user interface typically is very simple comprising of a few switches or perhaps a single computer program to setup and control the devices.
An electrician or security installer or audio/video installer represents a medium expense professional installer who is familiar with both high voltage and low voltage wiring and maybe with telecom wiring. They are not necessarily computer literate and may be trained to use a handheld LCD display with a keyboard attached to install and configure the system.
The systems integrator/custom installer/home automation installer is proficient with computers and low voltage wiring. They have the required technical knowledge to install, configure and troubleshoot connection problems on both high voltage and low voltage wiring. They can work with devices that do not have a physical user interface, but are configured using a software program on a PC that communications with the entire network in the home. Examples include CEBus, LonWorks, Lutron HomeWorks, LiteTouch, Vantage, etc.
Prior art automation systems each have specific mechanisms of adding new devices to the network. CEBus Home Plug and Play (Hpnp), for example, includes a recommended practice for the user interface which is to be used during configuration of newly installed or reconfigured devices. The recommended method, however, is very slow, tedious and confusing to a user. It also consumes considerable firmware overhead for each device. Groups are not supported and user feedback is not uniform permitting the same indication to mean several different modes of operation.
LonWorks has the disadvantage of requiring an installation tool. Such tools are relatively difficult to operate and are relatively expensive, placing them out of reach of the typical consumer.
The X-10 system does achieve quick configuration although it utilizes a primitive, slow protocol. It does not have any provisions for cross-linked groups and is generally a one-way system, providing for a limited number of devices with limited functionality.
Thus it is desirable to be able to add a device, i.e., a networked product, to an automation network system in a relatively simple manner. The configuration of a network product device should be quick and simple as possible. It is desirable that a majority of users find the configuration process to be:
The present invention is a method of adding (e.g., binding as in the case of a LonWorks network) a device to an existing or new electrical automation or multimedia network. The invention facilities adding a device to the network that can communicate using various protocols such as LonWorks, CEBus, X-10, etc. over media such as AC power line, IR, RF, twisted pair, optical fiber, etc. The method disclosed herein includes a binding technique that can be used by an installer of network capable electrical devices. The method comprises the steps an installer would perform including the handshaking that needs to occur between devices to accomplish the binding process. In addition, a Functional Profile for LonWorks networks is given as an example. This example illustrates a special Home Device profile that employs an automated explicit type messaging for all devices intended for use in a home environment. Note, however, that it is not necessary for this Functional Profile to be employed for operation of the present invention. This functional profile may also have application in industrial and commercial settings as well as the home. Note also that one skilled in the art can apply the method of the present invention to network automation systems other than LonWorks such as CEBus, BACNet, etc. The present invention has applications in products geared towards the home automation market as well as products geared towards other areas such as the commercial, industrial, and utility markets.
It is intended that the invention provide a means for the electrician or average homeowner to perform the binding function on her/his own without the need to call in a systems integrator or other highly trained and typically costly professional. One embodiment comprises adding an install button and a visual indicator for status such as an LED to a device. In operation, the user wires the device into the electrical network and presses and holds a button until the LED lights or a buzzer is sounded indicating to the user that the device was added to the system. Alternatively, a pull switch, existing buttons and LEDs on the device may be used for installing and binding purposes. The button may be pressed for extended periods, and the LED may flash in a unique manner.
Alternatively, a hand held tool that operates over any type of wireless media such as IR or RF can be employed as well. The chief benefit of using a wireless media type is that devices installed in difficult to reach places can be bound in a simple manner. Alternatively, line of sight or IR binding can be employed in combination with an AutoCAD layout of the facility. This functions to bind the devices together in addition to having the binding information automatically saved in an AutoCAD file which identifies the physical location of the device within the building. This functionality may be useful for certain fire and safety code requirements for certain systems.
Further, software icons can be created and placed on a touch screen equipped computer thus making the binding process much simpler such as during the initial installation so as to verify that the devices were wired and installed correctly. The detailed binding of some devices may be performed initially or may be performed after installation by a more highly trained individual. In accordance with the invention, the results of the simple binding method are readable, importable to another device and are able to be used by higher end network management tools (if any are present).
The present invention provides a means to connect electrical devices to the network either by installing the device and subsequently pressing a button; by installing the device and using voice activation to announce that the device is ready to be bound to the system; or to plug in or wire the device and have it automatically recognize that power has been applied, communications is available and would then bind itself automatically to the network.
The invention also comprises software, optionally in the form of embedded code or macro functions that perform the binding of the device to the network and also perform a series of preset or network downloadable functions. The device would then optionally provide a visual and/or audible indication (e.g., illumination of an LED) to indicate that the device was successfully added to the network.
The invention comprises means of providing a consistent user interface for the device and consistent feedback from the device. For simple devices, for example, a momentary pushbutton may is employed on the devices and the feedback to the user comprises an LED. This may be used in low cost implementations of the invention.
Alternatively, various types of installation/management tools may be used to perform the binding function such as handheld or other types of remote control units. These units may be connected locally or via a network. For example, the connection may be implemented using twisted pair, IR, RF, optical. Alternative implementations may use a touch screen or PC and mouse combination whereby one simply clicks the icon on the screen to bind one device to another. In this case, more sophisticated feedback can be provided to the user. One skilled in the art could integrate such a binding solution into any of the higher end network management tools currently available such as LNS from Echelon, Peak Components package from ICELANG or other vendor's network management systems whereby the functional profile in the particular device(s) to be bound can be read.
It is important to note that in accordance with the present invention the process of binding a device to the network can be performed in a variety of ways. The binding can be performed locally via (1) means on the device itself such as one or more pushbuttons or (2) an external binding tool connected to the device via a hardwired or wireless connection (e.g., IR, RF, optical, etc. Alternatively, the binding may be performed remotely via a network such as a WAN, LAN, Internet, etc. In this case, the device is adapted to comprise the necessary means of communicating over the specific type of network.
There is provided in accordance with the present invention a method of adding a device to an automation or multimedia network, the method comprising the steps of binding the device as a first device to be bound when the device is the first device to be installed in the network, binding the device as an additional device to be bound when the device is not the first device to be installed in the network and binding the device as an existing device to be bound when the device was previously installed in the network.
There is also provided in accordance with the present invention a method of installing and binding a device previously wired into an automation or multimedia network when the device is the first device to be installed in the network, the method comprising the steps of placing the device in a first-device installation mode of operation, assigning to the device a domain ID having an associated length and which is not in use by any other device on the network, assigning to the device a subnet number and a device ID number and generating an indication to indicate that the installation of the device onto the network is complete.
The step of placing the device in a first-device installation mode of operation comprises pressing an holding a pushbutton switch on the device, receiving a command from a local management tool connected directly to the device, receiving a command from a remote management tool connected remotely over the network or setting a visual or audible indication confirming that the device is in the installation mode of operation.
The step of assigning to the device a domain ID comprises the steps of querying the network using the assigned domain ID, listening for a response to the query and assigning a new domain ID different than the original domain ID in the event a response is received within a predetermined time period. The step of assigning to the device a domain ID comprises the steps of querying the network using the assigned domain ID, listening for a response to the query, assigning a new domain ID different than the original domain ID in the event a response is received within a predetermined time period and querying the network using the assigned domain ID at least an additional two times in the event a response is not received within a predetermined time period.
There is further provided in accordance with the present invention a method of installing and binding a new device previously wired into an automation or multimedia network when the device is other than the first device installed in the network, the method comprising the steps of placing the device in an additional-device installation mode of operation, placing address information of a previously installed and bound device onto the network, receiving the address information by the new device to be installed and updating its domain and subnet address information in accordance therewith, assigning a device ID number to the new device, generating an indication to indicate that the installation of the new device onto the network is complete, installing and binding zero or more additional new devices to the new device and installing and binding zero or more existing devices to the new device.
The step of receiving the address information may comprise the steps of waiting for reception of the address information sent from the previously installed and bound device and generating an error indication in the event no response is received after expiration of a predetermined time period. The step of assigning a device ID number to the new device comprises the steps of querying the network using the assigned device ID number, listening for a response to the query and assigning a new device ID number different than the original device ID number in the event a response is received within a predetermined time period.
The step of assigning a device ID number to the new device may also comprise the steps of querying the network using the assigned device ID number, listening for a response to the query, assigning a new device ID number different than the original device ID number in the event a response is received within a predetermined time period and querying the network using the assigned device ID number at least an additional two times in the event a response is not received within a predetermined time period.
The step of installing and binding additional new devices includes the steps of placing the additional new device in an additional-device installation mode of operation, placing address information of the new device onto the network, receiving the address information sent by the new device by the additional new device to be installed, updating domain and subnet address information in the additional new device in accordance with address information received from the new device, assigning a device ID number to the additional new device and generating an indication associated with the additional new device to indicate that the installation of the additional new device onto the network is complete.
The step of installing and binding an existing device includes the steps of sending a message incorporating a first home profile from the existing device to the new device, updating a second address table within the new device in accordance with the first home profile, sending a message incorporating a second home profile message from the new device to the existing device, updating a first address table within the existing device in accordance with the second home profile, generating an indication associated with the existing device to indicate that the installation and binding of the existing device is complete.
There is also provided in accordance with the present invention a method of binding a first existing device into an automation or multimedia network, the method comprising the steps of placing the first existing device in an existing-device mode of operation, receiving at the first existing device a confirmation message generated by the second existing device, sending a first message incorporating a first home profile from the first existing device to the second existing device, updating a second address table within the second existing device in accordance with the first home profile, sending a second message incorporating a second home profile message from the second existing device to the first existing device, updating a first address table within the first existing device in accordance with the second home profile, generating an indication associated with the first existing device to indicate that the installation and binding of the first existing device is complete.
There is still further provided in accordance with the present invention a method of adding a CEBus compatible device to a CEBus network, the method comprising the steps of issuing a connect command to a context, determining whether the context is in identify house mode and indicating hunting if it is not, hailing for a house code and subsequently for an unused unit address and indicating the occurrence of an error in the event a unique address is not found within a predetermined time period.
There is also provided in accordance with the present invention a method of adding a CEBus compatible device to a CEBus network, the method comprising the steps of receiving a connect command by a provider, hailing so as to determine whether another provider on the same house code is already in connecting mode, indicating with the context that no other provider on the same house code is already in connecting mode, indicating the occurrence of an error in the event another provider on the same house code is already in connecting mode, entering connect mode by the context for a specified period of time and answering connection hails to house code with unit address zero corresponding to the provider.
There is further provided in accordance with the present invention a method of adding a CEBus compatible device to a CEBus network, the method comprising the steps of receiving a connect command by a listener, hailing so as to search for a provider in connecting mode, swapping connection packets between the context and the connecting provider, indicating ready if the swap was successful and indicating the occurrence of an error in the event no provider is found, the connection is rejected or the swap was not successful.
There is also provided in accordance with the present invention a method of adding a first provider and listener context to a CEBus network, the method comprising the steps of issuing a first-in-home context, issuing an identity house command, issuing a connect command to the provider context and waiting for connecting indication, issuing connect command to the listener context and waiting for a ready indication, repeating the step of issuing connect command to a listener context for each additional listener, issuing a stop command and indicating ready.
In addition, there is provided in accordance with the present invention a method of adding additional devices and adding additional connections to a CEBus network, the method comprising the steps of issuing an identity house command, issuing a connect command to provider context and waiting for connecting indication, issuing connect command to the listener context and waiting for ready indication, repeating the step of issuing connect command to a listener context for each additional listener, issuing a stop command to the new provider and to the device in identifying house mode.
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Notation Used Throughout
The following notation is used throughout this document.
Term
Definition
AC
Alternating Current
BACNet
Building Automation and Control Network
CEBus
Consumer Electronics Bus
DIY
Do It Yourself
DLL
Dynamic Link Library
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
Hpnp
Home Plug And Play
HVAC
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
IC
Integrated Circuit
IR
Infrared
LAN
Local Area Network
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display
LED
Light Emitting Diode
OS
Operating System
PC
Personal Computer
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant
RAM
Random Access Memory
RF
Radio Frequency
ROM
Read Only Memory
SNVT
Standard Network Variable Type
USB
Universal Serial Bus
VCR
Video Cassette Recorder
WAN
Wide Area Network
The present invention comprises a method of connecting electrical or electronic devices to an automation or multimedia network such that they are assigned an address and are configured so as to be recognized by other devices on the network. The automation network may be adapted for home, industrial or commercial use. The device is added to the network either by installing the device and subsequently pressing a button; by installing the device and using voice activation to announce that the device is ready to be bound to the system; or by plugging in or wiring the device to the network and having it automatically recognize that power has been applied, communications is available and then binds itself automatically to the network.
Additionally, the device may also be added to the network through the use of hand held or other types of tools that operate using any suitable interface means, such as hardwired, twisted pair, wireless, IR or RF as well as other types of user interfaces such as touch screens and computers, PDAs and other like devices. Devices can also be bound through other suitably modified audio/visual equipment such as a television, stereo, VCR or set top box. Further, a gateway or router device may be used to bind a device. Yet still other binding methods include the use of a smart ‘install card’ that is supplied with the device. The card could be disposable (i.e., designed for one time use only) and would contain all appropriate data such as the device's Neuron ID (i.e., the node ID) and device or program ID needed to perform the binding operation.
The invention also comprises software, optionally in the form of embedded code or macro functions that perform the binding of the device to the network and also perform a series of preset or network downloadable functions. The device would then illuminate an LED to indicate that the device was successfully added to the network.
A key feature of the binding method of the present invention is that it can be utilized as a low cost alternative to currently available higher cost binding solutions, such as a network management tool (PC based or otherwise). The invention functions to update the same address tables internal to the device in a similar manner as the currently available higher priced network management tools. In accordance with the invention, the bindings created and stored in a particular device when it is added to the network can be re-used in the future with conventional network management tools. A conventional network management tool can access the address tables in the devices and retrieve the binding information without the need to rebind the devices thus saving time and costly setup charges. When a device is added to the network, the management tool can optionally choose to delete the existing information or to extract and use the information currently configured in the device.
A front view illustration of a first example embodiment of the present invention including a button and multiple status indicators is shown in FIG. 1. The first example embodiment, generally referenced 10, comprises an install button 12 and several indicators including an on/off indicator 13, a utility override indicator 14 and an install indicator 15. Note that the receptacle is only shown as an example, as the invention may be adapted to numerous other electrical and electronic devices as well.
The indicators are each a different color for more easily distinguishing between them. The on/off indicator 13 can be green, for example, and when on indicates that the relay contacts are closed and when off indicates when the relay contacts are open. The utility override indicator 14 can be yellow, for example, and when on indicates that the utility is in control and when off indicates that the device is under local control. The install indicator 15 can be red, for example, and when off indicates that the device is configured, i.e., bound, to the network and blinking indicates that the device is currently not configured to the network.
A front view illustration of a second example embodiment of the present invention including a button and a single status indicator is shown in FIG. 2. The second example embodiment, generally referenced 16, comprises a service pin 18 and a status indicator 17 that may comprises an LED. Note that the receptacle is only shown as an example, as the invention may be adapted to numerous other electrical and electronic devices as well.
Products designed for LonWorks and CEBus networks typically already comprise a status LED and a service pin. This reduces the effort needed to adapt the binding method of the present invention to existing network devices. The service pin and the status LED play different roles at different times depending on the current device context, mode of operation, input received, etc. Thus, during the installation/binding phase, the service pin functions as an install button. In addition, the status indicator may comprise a multicolored LED and may be turned on and off, blinked, flashed, etc. using a variety of patterns to indicate one or more specific status indications.
A perspective view illustration of a third example embodiment of the present invention including a LonWorks compatible receptacle incorporating a button and a single status indicator is shown in FIG. 3. The third example embodiment, generally referenced 320, comprises a housing 322 constructed from any suitable material such as plastic, one or more receptacles 324 and a vent 326. In addition, the device comprises one or more button switches 330 and one or more indicators 332 that typically reside under a wall plate covering 328. Placing the buttons and indicators under the wall plate elicits a conscious effort on the part of the user to change the settings of the device. Thus, the wall plate provides some security against accidental changes to the configuration of the device. The buttons may include an install button, utility override button, service pin button, etc. The indications may include an on/off indicator, a utility override indicator, status indicator and an install indicator. The indicators may function as described in connection with the device of
The device may also comprise means for communication over a network so as to enable the device to be bound remotely via software means from a network management tool located on the network. Local binding may be performed using the service pin and the status indicator (e.g., LED) which may play different roles at different times depending on the current device context, mode of operation, input received, etc. Thus, during the installation/binding phase, the service pin functions as an install button. In addition, the status indicator may comprise a multicolored LED and may be turned on and off, blinked, flashed, etc. using a variety of patterns to indicate one or more specific status indications.
As described previously, the binding method of the present invention may include the use of a network management tool. The management tool may comprise a variety of currently available commercial computing platforms that are adapted to perform the methods of the present invention. In particular, the management tool may comprise one of the PDAs that are in common use today. Several examples of these are presented below.
A diagram illustrating a first example of a network management tool constructed in accordance with the present invention comprising a handheld computing device is shown in FIG. 4. This example PDA comprises housing 340, plurality of buttons 342, pointing tool 348, communications port 346 and display 344. The device executes a suitable operating system such as Palm OS (3Com Corporation) or Windows CE (Microsoft Corporation). The device may comprise any of the Palm PDAs manufactured by 3Com Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif., adapted to perform the methods of the present invention.
A diagram illustrating a second example of a network management tool constructed in accordance with the present invention comprising a handheld computing device is shown FIG. 5. This example PDA comprises a housing 350, a plurality of buttons 356 (which are optional), a touch sensitive display 352 and a pen 354. In operation, a user uses the pen as a pointing and selection tool. The device executes a suitable operating system to drive the display and process user commands. The device may comprise the Amity XP, manufactured by Mitsubishi Mobile Computing, modified to perform the methods of the present invention.
In operation, the device may present one or more icons 358 on the touch sensitive display that represents elements of devices that can be bound. The user then selects one or more elements using the pen and touch sensitive screen to create a binding scenario for one or more devices. When the one or more devices are ready to be bound, the user selects the bind icon 359 to effect the binding.
A diagram illustrating a third example of a network management tool constructed in accordance with the present invention comprising a personal computer is shown in FIG. 6. This example management tool is built on a conventional PC platform adapted to perform to perform the binding method of the present invention. The tool comprises a conventional PC 365 including a processor, memory, keyboard 363, pointing device 361, display 360 and one or more I/O ports. The I/O ports comprise, for example, a bidirectional twisted pair communication port 362 and/or a bidirectional infrared communications port 364. The communication ports enable the tool to communication with devices remotely over a network.
In operation, a user uses the pointing device 361 to perform the binding operation. The user selects one or more device elements represented as icons on the screen to be included in the binding operation. In one embodiment, a floor plan of an office may be presented whereby the binding element icons are superimposed over the floor plan. This facilitates identifying the desired elements to bind. An example floor plan 366 is shown on the display and comprises the layout of an office containing a light switch 368 and fluorescent ballast 367. To effectuate the binding of the light switch 368 to the fluorescent ballast 367, the user simply selects the two elements by clicking on them and then clicks on the bind icon 369. The binding is then carried out in accordance with the binding method described in more detail hereinbelow. As described previously, the binding tool may be connected locally or remotely via a network. In the latter case, the binding commands are transmitted over the network via one of the communications I/O ports, e.g., the twisted pair port 362.
A diagram illustrating a remote installation tool interfacing with a network management station in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. The network management tool 370 comprises a plurality of keys and/or buttons 386, display 384 and a bidirectional communication port 390 (for example, an IR port is shown). The remote 20 installation tool 372 communicates with the network management station via the IR port 380. The installation tool comprises a plurality of buttons 382 for performing the install/binding process.
The installation tool also communicates with one or more devices to be installed into the automation or multimedia network. Examples illustrated include a multisensor device 374, an on/off dimmer with display 376 and a ceiling mount occupancy detector 378. To permit the installation tool to bind these devices into the network, these devices can be adapted to communicate via IR with the installation tool. Alternatively, they can be adapted to communicate with the management station over a network, e.g., twisted pair, RF, etc.
An alternative installation scheme to those described above is to include an ‘install card’ with each device whereby the information required for adding the device to the network is included in the card. A diagram illustrating a network management tool incorporating a magnetic card swipe means is shown in
The network management controller 390 comprises a plurality of buttons, keyboard or keypad 396, a display 394 and a card reader 392. An alternative network management tool is shown
The install card, generally referenced 410, comprises the information required for adding the device to the network in machine-readable form. The information may be placed, for example, on a magnetic strip 414 or as a one or two-dimensional bar code 412. The install card would be included with each device. The install card contains all the necessary information required to add the device to the network. Such information includes but is not limited to the Neuron ID and program ID of the device, assuming a LonWorks type network. The network management tools 390, 400 are adapted to read the information encoded onto the install card. In the case when the install card comprises a magnetic strip, the network management tools 390, 400 are equipped with a magnetic card reader or magnetic swipe slot 392, 408, respectively.
Alternatively, the management tools are configured with bard code scanners in the case when the binding information is encoded as a bar code on the install card. Optionally, the install card may comprise a smart card. In this case, the management tools comprise means for reading smart cards.
The displays 394, 404 of each management tool are part of the user interface of each tool. The display may comprise any suitable type display such as an LCD. Optionally, the display may comprise a touch screen surface permitting users to enter data directly by touching the surface of the display. Further, the management tools may be fixed in location or can be mobile handheld units used by the installer (e.g., a homeowner).
A diagram illustrating an example handheld remote control installation tool is shown in FIG. 9A. The handheld installation tool shown may be used as the remote installation tool 372 shown in FIG. 7. The remote installation, generally referenced 420, comprises a plurality of keys and buttons 424 and a communications I/O port 422. For example, the communications port may comprise a USB, IR, RF or optical port. The example shown herein includes a USB port permitting the handheld device to easily interface with a PC or other network management tool. Depending on the application, a portion of the buttons or keys can be dedicated to the specific application. For example, considering a multimedia network, the handheld tool would comprise button for controlling video and audio sources, such as channel buttons, volume control, channel control, fast forward, play, rewind, etc.
In addition to the application specific buttons, the handheld tool also comprises a plurality of installation related buttons/keys. This is illustrated in
The structure of a typical device suitable for use with the methods of the present invention will now be described in more detail. A block diagram illustrating in more detail an example device constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 10. The device, generally referenced 430, can be adapted for various applications, one of which being lighting controls which is the example presented hereinbelow. Note, however, that one skilled in the art could apply the general structure of the device described herein to numerous other types of devices that target different electrical applications. The device shown in this example is adapted to control incandescent lighting loads or any other load that can be controlled via a relay. Devices adapted to function in other applications can also be constructed and are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention.
The device 430 comprises a controller 432 to which are connected various components including clock circuitry 450, reset circuit 451, communications transceiver 438, one or more pushbutton type switches 458 and relay driver circuit 434.
The controller comprises a suitable processor such as a microprocessor or microcomputer. For instance, in the context of a LonWorks compatible network, the controller may comprise a Neuron 3120 or 3150 microcontroller manufactured by Motorola, Schaumberg, Ill. More detailed information on the Neuron chips can be found in the Motorola Databook: “LonWorks Technology Device Data,” Rev. 3, 1997. Memory connected to the controller includes RAM 452, ROM 454 for firmware program storage and EEPROM 456 for storing downloadable software and various constants and parameters used by the device.
A power supply (not shown) functions to supply the various voltages needed by the internal circuitry of the device, e.g., 5 V (VCC), 15 V, 24 VAC, etc. In addition to the internal power needs, the power supply may provide a supply voltage for external devices to use. For example, 15 V can be provided to a plurality of external devices for powering their circuitry. This reduces the complexity of external devices such as sensors, thus reducing their cost by eliminating the requirement of having a power supply onboard.
A clock circuit 450 provides the clock signals required by the controller 432 and the remaining circuitry. The clock circuit may comprise one or more crystal oscillators for providing a stable reference clock signal. A reset circuit 451 provides a power up reset signal to the controller 432.
In the case of LonWorks compatible networks, the device 430 comprises a service pin to which is connected a momentary push button switch 444 and service indicator 442. The switch 444 is connected between ground and the cathode of the LED 442. The anode of the LED is connected to VCC via resister 440. A zener diode 446 clamps the voltage on the service pin to a predetermined level. The switch 444 is connected to the service pin via a series resister 448. The service pin on the controller functions as both an input and an output. The controller 432 is adapted to detect the closure of the switch 444 and to perform service handling in response thereto. A more detailed description of the service pin and its associated internal processing can be found in the Motorola Databook “LonWorks Technology Device Data” referenced above.
The device 432 interoperates with other devices on the network. The communication means comprises a communication transceiver 438 that interfaces the controller 432 to the network. The communications transceiver may comprise any suitable communication or network interface means. The choice of network, e.g., LonWorks, CEBus, etc. in addition to the choice of media, determines the requirements for the communications transceiver. Using the LonWorks network as an example, the communications transceiver may comprise the FTT-10A twisted pair transceiver manufactured by Echelon Corp, Palo Alto, Calif. This transceiver comprises the necessary components to interface the controller to a twisted pair network. Transmit data from the controller is input to the transceiver which functions to encode and process the data for placement onto the twisted pair cable. In addition, data received from the twisted pair wiring is processed and decoded and output to the controller. Transceivers for other types of media such as power line carrier and coaxial, for example, can also be used.
As described above, the control unit also comprises means for controlling various lighting loads. In the example shown here, the device may control any electrical device that can be controlled via a relay. Relay loads are controlled by the relay driver circuit 100, via a RELAY signal generated by the controller.
In addition, external devices that do not implement a protocol can be tied into the network via the Non-Protocol I/O connection to the controller. Thus, non-protocol I/O devices can be controlled and can share information with other protocol enabled devices. This enables low cost non-protocol devices to be tied into the network thus providing an optimized system solution.
The device is added to the network using the binding method of the present invention. The binding may be effectuated using various means such as the one or more pushbutton switches 458 coupled to the controller through I/O ports or by software means by a network management tool located remotely on the network. In the latter case, the binding is effected via messages transmitted over the network and received by the controller via the communications receiver 438.
A diagram illustrating a high level view of the various potential binding processes for the home, industrial or commercial environments is shown in FIG. 11. For illustration purposes, the binding method 20 is presented within the context of a home environment as the number of users that can potentially enjoy the advantages of the present invention are the greatest in this group. The binding method presented, however, is suitable for use in industrial and commercial environments as well.
The binding method is divided into three categories. The first category includes the first-in-home process 22 whereby a device to be installed and bound is the first device to be placed in the home network. The second category is the installation and binding of additional devices 24 which also includes the binding process 26 itself. The third category includes the method of binding existing devices 28. Each process will be discussed in more detail beginning with the first-in-home process 22.
It is important to note that in accordance with the present invention the process of binding a device to the network can be performed in a variety of ways. The binding can be performed locally via (1) means on the device itself such as one or more pushbuttons or (2) an external binding tool connected to the device via a hardwired or wireless connection (e.g., IR, RF, optical, etc. Alternatively, the binding may be performed remotely via a network such as a WAN, LAN, Internet, etc. In this case, the device is adapted to comprise the necessary means of communicating over the specific type of network.
A flow diagram illustrating the first-in-home process portion of the method of the present invention is shown in
The confirm indicator is then set to yellow and steady on so as to alert the user that the device, i.e., networked device, has confirmed the input from the user and that the device is in the installation mode of operation. (step 32). It is then checked to see whether the device was previously installed (step 34). If so, an error indicator is set to red and blinking three times in a row so as to signify that the user has performed an illegal function (step 36). Subsequently, the device returns to normal operating conditions.
If the device was not previously installed, a busy indicator is set to green and flashing (step 38) so as to signify that the mode is valid and is in the process of performing the requested function (step 40). In next step, the device randomly selects a domain length and a domain ID (step 42). The device then queries the network on the selected domain (step 44). If a response is received (step 46) it is checked whether a predetermined period of time has been exceeded (step 48). The steps of querying are repeated for a finite amount of time, e.g., 5 seconds. If the allotted time has not been exceeded, the device selects another domain length and domain ID (step 42) and starts the query again (step 44).
If the maximum time period has been exceeded an error indication is set to red and a solid on to alert the user that the binding process cannot continue and that user intervention is required (step 49). In this case, the device does not return to normal operating condition.
If no response is received from the query, the device queries the network a second time using the selected domain length and domain ID within a time period, e.g., 0.5 second (step 50). If a response arrives (step 52) the query process starts again. If no response is received, the domain is valid and the domain is set within the device (step 54). A Subnet and a Device Number are then randomly chosen (step 56). The indicator is set to green and solid on to indicate that the process is complete (step 58). The device then waits two seconds (step 60) before returning to normal operating procedure.
A flow diagram illustrating the install and bind additional devices process portion of the method of the present invention is shown in
The device then waits for a message to be received from another device. At this point, the user presses the install pin on an existing device somewhere within the network (step 79). This must happen within a limited time period, e.g., 3 minutes. The existing device then places address information onto the network and its confirmation indicator is set to yellow and solid on (step 80). If the device being installed does not receive the message (step 81), an error indication is set to red and blinking three times in a row so as to alert the user that an illegal function has been performed (step 82). The device then returns to normal operating condition.
If the device being installed from the existing device receives a message, the device then updates its domain and subnet address information in accordance with the information received from the existing device (step 84). The device then randomly selects another device ID (step 86) and starts a query (step 88). If a response is received (step 90) it is checked whether a predetermined period of time has been exceeded (step 92). The steps of querying are repeated for a finite amount of time, e.g., 5 seconds. If the allotted time has not been exceeded, the device selects another device ID (step 86) and starts the query again (step 88).
If the maximum time period has been exceeded an error indication is set to red and a solid on to alert the user that the binding process cannot continue, a valid device ID cannot be found and that user intervention is required (step 93). In this case, the device does not return to normal operating condition.
If no response is received from the query, the device queries the network a second time using the selected domain length and domain ID within a time period, e.g., 0.5 second (step 94). If a response arrives (step 96) the query process starts again with step 86. If no response is received, the device ID is valid and the device ID is set within the device (step 98). The indicator is set to green and solid on to indicate that the process is complete (step 99).
The device then waits a time period, e.g., three minutes, for a message from either an existing device or another new device (step 100). The act of pressing the install pin on either another new device or an existing device sets the confirm indicator thereon to yellow and solid on. If a message is received, the device checks the message to determine whether it is a new device (step 102) or an existing device (step 106). If the message is from a new device, the process to add another new device is performed (step 104) (see flow diagram in FIG. 14). If the message is from an existing device, the binding process is performed (step 108) (see flow diagram in FIG. 15).
If no message is received within three minutes, an error indication is set to red and blinking three times in a row so as to alert the user that an illegal function has been performed (step 110). The device then returns to normal operating condition.
A flow diagram illustrating the add another new device process portion of the method of the present invention is shown in FIG. 14. The add another new device process begins with the busy indicator set to green and flashing to signify that the mode is valid and is in the process of performing the requested function (step 120). The newly installed device (that now exists) sends address information to the new uninstalled device (step 122). The new uninstalled device updates its domain and subnet address information in accordance with the information received from the existing device (step 124). The new uninstalled device then randomly selects a device ID (step 126) and queries the network for the device ID (step 128).
If a response is received (step 130) it is checked whether a predetermined period of time has been exceeded (step 132). The steps of querying are repeated for a finite amount of time, e.g., 5 seconds. If the allotted time has not been exceeded, the device selects another device ID (step 126) and starts the query again (step 128).
If the maximum time period has been exceeded an error indication is set to red and a solid on to alert the user that the binding process cannot continue, a valid device ID cannot be found and that user intervention is required (step 133). In this case, the device does not return to normal operating condition.
If no response is received from the query, the device queries the network a second time using the selected domain length and domain ID within a time period, e.g., 0.5 second (step 134). If a response arrives (step 136) the query process starts again with step 126. If no response is received, the device ID is valid and the device ID is set within the device (step 138). The indicator is set to green and solid on to indicate that the process is complete (step 139). The binding process is then performed (step 140) (see flow diagram in FIG. 15).
A flow diagram illustrating the binding existing devices and binding processes portion of the method of the present invention is shown in FIG. 15. The first step is a user presses the install pin on an existing device (step 150). The confirm indication is set to yellow and solid on to signify that the device has confirmed the input from the user (step 152). The device then checks to see whether it was previously installed (step 154). If the device was previously installed, a busy indicator is set to green and flashing to signify that the mode is valid and is in the process of performing the requested function (step 158). If the device was not previously installed, the device is a new device and must be installed first. Control is passed to the install and bind additional devices method (step 156) (see flow diagram in FIGS. 13A and 13B).
If the device was previously installed, the device then waits for the install pin on another existing device to be pressed (step 160). The device waits for a certain period of time, e.g., 3 minutes. If no message is received within the time period (step 162), the error indicator is set to red and blinks three times in a row repeatedly to signify that the user has performed an illegal function (step 164). The device then returns to normal operating procedures.
If the user presses the install pin on another existing device within three minutes, the device then performs the binding process as follows. The binding process begins with the devices sending a Home Profile message to each other with the option to bind all application variables, otherwise only the mandatory variables are bound (step 166). Next, the devices update their respective network variable address tables in accordance with the optional Home Profile received (step 168). If an object does not have Home Profile explicit messaging, then the method defaults to binding only the mandatory variables. The device being installed then indicates a completed process by setting its indicator to green and solid on (step 170). The device then waits two seconds before returning to normal operating procedure (step 172).
A diagram illustrating the network variables and configuration parameters of the device object associated with a Functional Profile for a Home Device is shown in FIG. 16. This Device Object, generally referenced 180, includes the mandatory and optional network variables, optional configuration properties and optional explicit messages that make up a Home Profile for binding all variables. The device object shown is suitable for use with LonWorks compatible devices and networks. It is appreciated that one skilled in the art could derive analogous device objects for other systems as well.
The mandatory network variables comprise an input Request 182 and output Status 190. The optional network variables comprise an input Time Set 184, input File Request 186, input File Position 188, output Alarm, output File Status 194 and output File Directory. Optional configuration parameters 198 comprise Network configuration and Maximum Send Time. Optional explicit messages 200 comprise a Home Profile explicit message to bind all network variables (i.e., mandatory, optional or manufacturer's optional).
In accordance with the invention, not all the devices in an automation or multimedia network need perform the method of the present invention. Devices that do perform the binding method of the invention can interoperate with devices that do not. Devices that do not have the binding capability of the invention can bind utilizing traditional binding techniques.
The automated binding method described hereinbelow is suitable for use with CEBus compatible devices and networks. All devices must be able to communicate bidirectionally, as the protocol described below required that all providers verify that messages get through to connected listeners. Broadcast messages are used only to speed up the end-to-end response time. It is suggested that all DLL layer communications be performed using unacknowledged service. This permits the DLL interface IC to be as inexpensive as possible. In addition, ‘group’ addresses are not limited by the DLL IC, since all received packets are passed to the host processor.
Each context within each device is assigned a unique 16-bit context number. The number effectively replaces the unit address. Thus, if a device contains 3 provider contexts and 2 listener contexts, the device will response to 5 different unit addresses, in addition to the CEBus broadcast address 0 and optionally the Hpnp broadcast address FFFF. The universal context can be referenced in all context numbers. The universal context holds a list of all context numbers the device contains.
Group broadcasts from a provider context in a device are sent to the context number of the provider's context. During connection procedures (formerly termed binding) a listener records the context number of each provider context which it will obey. Similarly, a provider context records the context number of each listener context it will control. At run time, the provider context makes a broadcast to itself when a message is to be sent to the entire group. All the listener contexts in the group act upon the message. Immediately after the broadcast, the provider context sends an individual message to each listener context in turn, incurring that each listener has received the message. This technique ensures both fast response time and communications integrity.
The user interface of the method will now be described in more detail. Note that the user interface presented below is oriented towards home automation products. One skilled in the art could, however, adapt the user interface for use with other systems as well, e.g., LonWorks or any other bidirectional home automation protocol.
A single button and single LED or other indicator are needed (see
A long push is required to activate the interface on any device. A long push lasts a relatively long time, e.g., 8 seconds or longer. After 8 seconds has elapsed, the LED becomes steadily lit if it was previously out of blinking, or vice versa if it was previously lit. This indication remains only until the button is released, whereupon the indication becomes one of the indications listed below.
Other pushes have no minimum duration, but polling the button at 25 msec. or faster is sufficient. Release must last 200 msec. or longer before the software can detect another push. To allow for multi-push commands, 2 seconds of release indicates that the user has finished entering the multi-push command.
The commands and indications of the method will now be described in more detail. Note that since the user applies to a context rather than a device, the description below, refers to contexts and not devices in connection with commands or the display of indications. Table 1 below lists the commands and Table 2 lists the indications.
TABLE 1
Commands
Command
Description
Long Push
Activate interface
1 Push
Stop
2 Pushes
Identify House
3 Pushes
Connect
4 Pushes
First In House
5 Pushes
Factory Defaults
TABLE 2
Indications
Indication
Description
Slow Blink
Out Of Box
Fast Blink
Error
Double Blink
Identifying House
Triple Blink
Connecting
Quad Blink
Hunting
Lit
In House
Out
Ready
The STOP command aborts any command being executed. It is also used to cancel an ERROR indication. After the STOP command, the context returns to its normal state. This state will either be OUT OF BOX, IN HOUSE or READY.
The FACTORY DEFAULTS command resets the non-volatile memory in the context to its OUT OF BOX state. There is no ERROR indication possible for this command. This command must be used to remove listener context numbers from a provider's connection list, or to remove provider context numbers from a listener's connection list.
The FIRST IN HOUSE command causes the context to choose a new house code at random and to ensure that no device exists on that house code. While hunting for a house code, the context indicates HUNTING. When a new house code is chosen, the context selects a unit address at random, then indicates IN HOUSE. ERROR is indicated if the context was not in its OUT OF BOX state when the command was issued, or if hunting for a new house code fails after 10 minutes of attempts.
The IDENTIFY HOUSE command instructs the context to provide its house code to any context that asks for it. This state is indicated by IDENTIFYING HOUSE and continues until 10 minutes have passed during which no other context asks for the house code. In identify house mode, the context answers house code hails on house code 0 unit address 0. The IDENTIFY HOUSE command causes an ERROR indication if: (1) the context has not learned its house code or unit address or (2) another context is already supplying the house code. To determine whether another context is answering house code hails, the context receiving the command hails three times. Note that to handle a house containing only one provider and one listener, provider contexts must respond to house code hails while in connecting mode. In such cases, CONNECTING is indicated.
The CONNECT command tells the context to join the group being formed. The group can have only a single provider, but may have one or more listeners. Note that the CONNECT command always adds a connection. A connection is removed using the FACTORY DEFAULTS command. The CONNECT command is first issued to the provider (which enters CONNECTING mode), then to each listener in turn (which succeed or fail in a short time, e.g., seconds).
SLOW BLINK indicates a context is in its OUT OF BOX state. The LED is on 500 msec. and off 500 msec. This indication is shown except when the context has knowledge of both its house code and unit address.
FAST BLINK indicates an error has occurred with the last command. The LED is on 125 msec. and off 125 msec. This indication persists forever until the context is powered down, reset or another command is entered.
DOUBLE BLINK indicates the context is in IDENTIFYING HOUSE mode. This LED is on 250 msec. and out 250 msec, repeats then is out for 1 second. This indication (also mode) remains up until 10 minutes passes during which no other context asks for the house code. Note that if a context in identifying house mode is then placed into connecting mode, CONNECTING alone is indicated.
TRIPLE BLINK indicates that the context is in CONNECTING mode. The LED is on 250 msec and out 250 msec, repeating both twice, then is out for 1 second. Connecting mode only applies to providers. This indication (also mode) remains up until 10 minutes have passed during which no listeners ask to connect to the context.
QUADRUPLE BLINK indicates that the context is in HUNTING mode. The LED is on 250 msec. and out 250 msec, repeating both thrice and then out for 1 second. Hunting mode applies to both providers and listeners whenever either attempts to find a house code supplier or to choose their own unit address. It also applies to listeners when they are trying to find a connecting provider.
The LED being illuminated indicates that the context is in IN HOUSE mode. This means that the context knows both its house code and its unit address.
The LED being off indicates that the context is in READY mode. This means that the context knows its house code and unit address and has also established at least one connection to a provider or a listener.
A flow diagram illustrating the CONNECT command portion of the binding method of the present invention is shown in FIG. 17. When the CONNECT command is issued to any context, the first step is to check whether the context is in identify house mode (step 210). If so, control passes to step 224. If not, the context indicates HUNTING (step 212). The context then hails for the house code up to three times (step 214). Hail packets are sent to the house code 0 unit address 0. ERROR is indicated if no context supplies a house code (step 216) or if the house code differs from its own (step 226).
If the context does not know its unit address (step 218), the context hunts for an unused unit address by choosing addresses at random and hailing up to three times to determine if it is use (step 220). If a unique address is not found (step 222) within 10 minutes of hunting, ERROR is indicated (step 226). If the context has no room remaining in its non-volatile connection memory (step 224), ERROR is indicated (step 226). Note that is the context does not know both its house code and unit address, it is not ‘in the house’ and must both while connecting.
A flow diagram illustrating the portion of the binding method of the present invention covering providers receiving the CONNECT command is shown in FIG. 18. For providers receiving the CONNECT command (step 230) the following is performed. The context hails up to three times (step 232) to determine whether another provider on this house code is already in connecting mode (step 234). If so, ERROR is indicated (step 242). If not, context indicates CONNECTING (step 236).
The context then enters connecting mode, remaining there until 10 minutes have passed wherein no other context asks to connect to it (step 238). In connecting mode, the provider answers connection hails to its house code with unit address 0 (step 240).
A flow diagram illustrating the portion of the binding method of the present invention covering listeners receiving the CONNECT command is shown in FIG. 19. For listeners receiving the CONNECT command (step 250) the context hails up to three times to find a provider in connecting mode (step 252). Hailing packets are sent to the context's own house code, with unit address 0 (step 254). If no provider is found (step 256) or if the provider rejects the potential connection in the hail packet (step 258), ERROR is indicated (step 266).
Once it is determined that the provider will accept the connection, the context swaps connection packets with the connecting provider (step 260). READY is indicated (step 264) by the listener context if the connection packets are swapped successfully (step 262). ERROR is indicated (step 266) if the connection packets fail three times or are rejected by the provider (step 262).
A flow diagram illustrating the portion of the binding method of the present invention covering installation of the first provider and listener contexts is shown in FIG. 20. This method and the method of
Issue the IDENTIFY HOUSE command to the switch (step 274). Wait for the switch to indicate IDENTIFYING HOUSE (step 276). Issue the CONNECT command to the switch (step 278). Wait for the switch to indicate CONNECTING (step 280). Issue the CONNECT command to the fixture (step 282). Wait for the fixture to indicate READY (step 284). If there are additional listeners, i.e., fixtures, to be controlled by the switch (step 286) repeat steps 282 and 284. Once there are no additional listeners, issue the STOP command to the switch or wait 10 minutes (step 288). The switch will then indicate READY (step 290).
A flow diagram illustrating the portion of the binding method of the present invention covering installation of additional devices or adding additional connections is shown in FIG. 21. To install additional light switches and light fixtures, or to add additional connections to already connected switches or fixtures, the following is performed. It is first determined whether there is any device in IDENTIFYING HOUSE mode (step 300). If not, the IDENTIFYING HOUSE command is issued to an already installed switch or provider (step 302). Wait for the switch or provider to indicate IDENTIFYING HOUSE (step 304).
Issue the CONNECT command to the new switch (step 306) and wait for it to indicate CONNECTING (step 308). Issue the CONNECT command to the new fixture (step 310) and wait for it to indicate READY (step 312). If there are additional listeners, i.e., new fixtures, to be controlled by the new switch (step 314) repeat steps 310 and 312 for each one.
Once there are no additional devices to install, issue the STOP command to the new switch or wait 10 minutes (step 316) at which time it will indicate READY (step 318). If there are no additional devices to install, issue the STOP command to the device in IDENTIFYING HOUSE mode or wait 10 minutes (step 320). It will show its previous indication READY or IN HOUSE (step 322).
It is intended that the appended claims cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. As numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the limited number of embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that all suitable variations, modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Hebeisen, Stephen P., Eckel, David P., Bonasia, Gaetano, Mernyk, Ross
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 10011247, | Mar 08 2000 | GTJ VENTURES, LLC | Control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method |
| 10028056, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Multi-channel pairing in a media system |
| 10031715, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Method and apparatus for dynamic master device switching in a synchrony group |
| 10031716, | Sep 30 2013 | Sonos, Inc. | Enabling components of a playback device |
| 10061379, | May 15 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Power increase based on packet type |
| 10063202, | Apr 27 2012 | Sonos, Inc. | Intelligently modifying the gain parameter of a playback device |
| 10079992, | May 19 2011 | EchoStar Ukraine LLC | Apparatus, systems and methods for a media device pre-operation |
| 10097423, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Establishing a secure wireless network with minimum human intervention |
| 10108393, | Apr 18 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Leaving group and smart line-in processing |
| 10120638, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices |
| 10126811, | May 15 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Power increase based on packet type |
| 10133536, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Method and apparatus for adjusting volume in a synchrony group |
| 10136218, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 10140085, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device operating states |
| 10146498, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Disengaging and engaging zone players |
| 10152876, | Jul 13 2005 | GTJ VENTURES, LLC | Control, monitoring, and/or security apparatus and method |
| 10157033, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Method and apparatus for switching between a directly connected and a networked audio source |
| 10157034, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Clock rate adjustment in a multi-zone system |
| 10157035, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc | Switching between a directly connected and a networked audio source |
| 10175930, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Method and apparatus for playback by a synchrony group |
| 10175932, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc | Obtaining content from direct source and remote source |
| 10185540, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10185541, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10209953, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10216473, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device synchrony group states |
| 10228754, | May 15 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Power decrease based on packet type |
| 10228898, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Identification of playback device and stereo pair names |
| 10228902, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10253564, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera system for intelligent building control |
| 10254822, | May 15 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Power decrease and increase based on packet type |
| 10256536, | Jul 19 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Frequency routing based on orientation |
| 10277519, | Jan 09 2015 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Response time for a gateway connecting a lower bandwidth network with a higher speed network |
| 10282164, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices |
| 10289380, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10296283, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Directing synchronous playback between zone players |
| 10303240, | May 15 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Power decrease based on packet type |
| 10303431, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices |
| 10303432, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc | Playback device |
| 10306364, | Sep 28 2012 | Sonos, Inc. | Audio processing adjustments for playback devices based on determined characteristics of audio content |
| 10306365, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 10324684, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device synchrony group states |
| 10326537, | Dec 17 2015 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Environmental change condition detection through antenna-based sensing of environmental change |
| 10327202, | Jun 09 2006 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | AP-local dynamic switching |
| 10353576, | Jun 12 2016 | Apple Inc | User interface for managing controllable external devices |
| 10359987, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Adjusting volume levels |
| 10365884, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Group volume control |
| 10372200, | May 15 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Power decrease based on packet type |
| 10387102, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device grouping |
| 10439896, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 10445054, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc | Method and apparatus for switching between a directly connected and a networked audio source |
| 10448159, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 10462570, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 10469966, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Zone scene management |
| 10484807, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Zone scene management |
| 10489449, | May 23 2002 | Gula Consulting Limited Liability Company | Computer accepting voice input and/or generating audible output |
| 10541883, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 10545723, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10546441, | Jun 04 2013 | Control, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus and method for premises, vehicles, and/or articles | |
| 10555082, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 10562492, | May 01 2002 | GTJ VENTURES, LLC | Control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method |
| 10606552, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device volume control |
| 10613817, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc | Method and apparatus for displaying a list of tracks scheduled for playback by a synchrony group |
| 10613822, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10613824, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10619415, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera system utilizing circadian information for intelligent building control |
| 10635303, | Jun 12 2016 | Apple Inc. | User interface for managing controllable external devices |
| 10635390, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Audio master selection |
| 10637673, | Dec 12 2016 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Energy harvesting nodes in a mesh network |
| 10637681, | Mar 13 2014 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Method and system for synchronization and remote control of controlling units |
| 10638304, | Jun 09 2006 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | Sharing data between wireless switches system and method |
| 10720896, | Apr 27 2012 | Sonos, Inc. | Intelligently modifying the gain parameter of a playback device |
| 10747496, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10754612, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device volume control |
| 10754613, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Audio master selection |
| 10779085, | May 31 2019 | Apple Inc | User interfaces for managing controllable external devices |
| 10796268, | Jan 23 2001 | TRANSCEND SHIPPING SYSTEMS, LLC | Apparatus and method for providing shipment information |
| 10798650, | Jun 09 2006 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | AP-local dynamic switching |
| 10820058, | May 07 2018 | Apple Inc | User interfaces for viewing live video feeds and recorded video |
| 10834585, | Jun 09 2006 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | Untethered access point mesh system and method |
| 10848885, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Zone scene management |
| 10853023, | Apr 18 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Networked playback device |
| 10871938, | Sep 30 2013 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device using standby mode in a media playback system |
| 10897679, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Zone scene management |
| 10904029, | May 31 2019 | Apple Inc | User interfaces for managing controllable external devices |
| 10904628, | May 07 2018 | Apple Inc | User interfaces for viewing live video feeds and recorded video |
| 10908871, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10908872, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10911322, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 10911325, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 10949163, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10956119, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 10963215, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Media playback device and system |
| 10965024, | Jul 19 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Frequency routing based on orientation |
| 10965545, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 10966025, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 10970034, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Audio distributor selection |
| 10979310, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 10983750, | Apr 01 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Guest access to a media playback system |
| 10986165, | Jan 13 2004 | MAY PATENTS LTD | Information device |
| 10988984, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera for tracking clouds |
| 11025509, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 11060351, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera system utilizing circadian information for intelligent building control |
| 11060352, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera system for analyzing cloud conditions |
| 11079913, | May 11 2020 | Apple Inc | User interface for status indicators |
| 11080001, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Concurrent transmission and playback of audio information |
| 11082770, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Multi-channel pairing in a media system |
| 11106424, | May 09 2007 | Sonos, Inc. | Synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices |
| 11106425, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices |
| 11132170, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Adjusting volume levels |
| 11157069, | May 15 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Power control based on packet type |
| 11182121, | May 23 2002 | GULA CONSULTING | Navigating an information hierarchy using a mobile communication device |
| 11187035, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera virtual horizon mask and tracking solar disc |
| 11200025, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 11222298, | May 28 2010 | User-controlled digital environment across devices, places, and times with continuous, variable digital boundaries | |
| 11223901, | Jan 25 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 11265652, | Jan 25 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 11294618, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Media player system |
| 11301207, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 11314479, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Predefined multi-channel listening environment |
| 11317226, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Zone scene activation |
| 11347469, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Predefined multi-channel listening environment |
| 11363071, | May 31 2019 | Apple Inc | User interfaces for managing a local network |
| 11385858, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Predefined multi-channel listening environment |
| 11388532, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Zone scene activation |
| 11403062, | Jun 11 2015 | Sonos, Inc. | Multiple groupings in a playback system |
| 11418408, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 11429343, | Jan 25 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Stereo playback configuration and control |
| 11432147, | Jun 09 2006 | Juniper Networks, Inc | Untethered access point mesh system and method |
| 11444375, | Jul 19 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Frequency routing based on orientation |
| 11456928, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 11467799, | Apr 01 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Guest access to a media playback system |
| 11473371, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera system utilizing circadian information for intelligent building control |
| 11481182, | Oct 17 2016 | Sonos, Inc. | Room association based on name |
| 11505992, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera system for analyzing cloud conditions |
| 11513667, | May 11 2020 | Apple Inc | User interface for audio message |
| 11531517, | Apr 18 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Networked playback device |
| 11540050, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 11550536, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Adjusting volume levels |
| 11550539, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device |
| 11556305, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Synchronizing playback by media playback devices |
| 11625221, | May 09 2007 | Sonos, Inc | Synchronizing playback by media playback devices |
| 11627461, | Jun 09 2006 | Juniper Networks, Inc. | AP-local dynamic switching |
| 11635935, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Adjusting volume levels |
| 11650784, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Adjusting volume levels |
| 11733768, | May 15 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Power control based on packet type |
| 11746594, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Sky camera virtual horizon mask and tracking solar disc |
| 11758327, | Jan 25 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device pairing |
| 11758398, | Jun 09 2006 | Juniper Networks, Inc | Untethered access point mesh system and method |
| 11760227, | Feb 15 2021 | Battery power management apparatus and method | |
| 11785387, | May 31 2019 | Apple Inc. | User interfaces for managing controllable external devices |
| 11816390, | Sep 30 2013 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device using standby in a media playback system |
| 11824898, | May 31 2019 | Apple Inc. | User interfaces for managing a local network |
| 11865985, | Jun 30 2014 | Battery power management apparatus and method | |
| 11894975, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 11907610, | Apr 01 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Guess access to a media playback system |
| 11909588, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Wireless device connection |
| 7075453, | Jan 10 2002 | LG Electronics Inc | Method for setting product address in home network system |
| 7096165, | Mar 17 2000 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method for configuring an electrical installation and corresponding configuration device |
| 7181511, | Apr 15 2002 | Yazaki North America, Inc. | System and method for using software objects to manage devices connected to a network in a vehicle |
| 7187695, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 7197028, | Apr 18 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| 7221679, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 7240106, | Apr 25 2001 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP | System and method for remote discovery and configuration of a network device |
| 7275092, | Dec 12 2001 | HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY L P | Method and system for controlling the operation of a peripheral device in a network |
| 7277010, | Mar 27 1996 | JOAO CONTROL & MONITORING SYSTEMS, LLC | Monitoring apparatus and method |
| 7340512, | Apr 25 2001 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP | System and method for remote discovery and configuration of a network device |
| 7392537, | Oct 08 2001 | FORCEPOINT FEDERAL HOLDINGS LLC; Forcepoint LLC | Managing a network security application |
| 7397363, | Mar 27 1996 | JOAO CONTROL & MONITORING SYSTEMS, LLC | Control and/or monitoring apparatus and method |
| 7397791, | Apr 18 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| 7440246, | Oct 15 2004 | LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO , INC | Circuit interrupting apparatus with remote test and reset activation |
| 7453895, | Oct 11 2001 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Outlet with analog signal adapter, a method for use thereof and a network using said outlet |
| 7466722, | Apr 18 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| 7480709, | Nov 14 2003 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.; ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC | Dynamic browser-based industrial automation interface system and method |
| 7483524, | Feb 09 2004 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network for telephony and data communication |
| 7492875, | Jul 20 1999 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network for telephony and data communication |
| 7522615, | Nov 13 2002 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Addressable outlet, and a network using same |
| 7538285, | Mar 30 2007 | LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC | Electrical control device |
| 7593394, | Apr 18 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| 7633966, | Apr 19 2000 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 7636373, | Apr 19 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 7680041, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Node repair in a mesh network |
| 7680255, | Jul 05 2001 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Telephone outlet with packet telephony adaptor, and a network using same |
| 7686653, | May 03 2004 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Modular outlet |
| 7688841, | Jul 09 2003 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Modular outlet |
| 7690949, | May 03 2004 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Modular outlet |
| 7715441, | Apr 19 2000 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 7715534, | Mar 20 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone outlet for implementing a local area network over telephone lines and a local area network using such outlets |
| 7755505, | Sep 06 2006 | Lutron Technology Company LLC | Procedure for addressing remotely-located radio frequency components of a control system |
| 7756268, | Feb 16 2004 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Outlet add-on module |
| 7756556, | Nov 14 2006 | LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO , INC | RF antenna integrated into a control device installed into a wall switch box |
| 7756966, | Nov 14 2003 | Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. | Dynamic browser-based industrial automation interface system and method |
| 7768422, | Sep 06 2006 | Lutron Technology Company LLC | Method of restoring a remote wireless control device to a known state |
| 7808901, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES GENERAL IP SINGAPORE PTE LTD | Media processing system based on satellite set top box platform with telephony downstream and upstream data paths |
| 7813451, | Jan 11 2006 | Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd | Apparatus and method for frequency shifting of a wireless signal and systems using frequency shifting |
| 7831960, | Jun 08 2006 | Oracle America, Inc | Configuration tool with multi-level priority semantic |
| 7852874, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 7860084, | Oct 11 2001 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Outlet with analog signal adapter, a method for use thereof and a network using said outlet |
| 7865252, | Jan 26 2007 | Autani, LLC | Upgradeable automation devices, systems, architectures, and methods |
| 7867035, | Jul 09 2003 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Modular outlet |
| 7872423, | Feb 19 2008 | Lutron Technology Company LLC | Smart load control device having a rotary actuator |
| 7873058, | Dec 21 2005 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Outlet with analog signal adapter, a method for use thereof and a network using said outlet |
| 7873062, | Jul 09 2003 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Modular outlet |
| 7876767, | Apr 19 2000 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 7876776, | Jul 28 1998 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 7880639, | Sep 06 2006 | Lutron Technology Company LLC | Method of establishing communication with wireless control devices |
| 7881462, | Feb 16 2004 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Outlet add-on module |
| 7889720, | Oct 11 2001 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Outlet with analog signal adapter, a method for use thereof and a network using said outlet |
| 7911992, | Nov 12 2003 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Addressable outlet, and a network using the same |
| 7933297, | Apr 19 2000 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 7953071, | Oct 11 2001 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Outlet with analog signal adapter, a method for use thereof and a network using said outlet |
| 7965735, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 7978726, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 7986708, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 7990908, | Nov 13 2002 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Addressable outlet, and a network using the same |
| 8000349, | Apr 18 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| 8019846, | Dec 13 2006 | Alcatel Lucent | Remote activation of home devices |
| 8028093, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LIMITED | Media processing system supporting adaptive digital media parameters based on end-user viewing capabilities |
| 8082444, | Mar 25 2004 | Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc | System and method for adding new network devices to an existing network |
| 8089874, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Node repair in a mesh network |
| 8092258, | Sep 07 2003 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Modular outlet |
| 8116275, | Oct 13 2005 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | System and network for wireless network monitoring |
| 8126481, | Nov 21 2007 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | Wireless station location detection |
| 8138435, | Nov 14 2006 | LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC | Electrical control device |
| 8149095, | Sep 19 2007 | Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.; Nara Institute of Science and Technology | Gateway device allowing home network appliances to be introduced and controlled over a network and a control method therefor |
| 8150357, | Mar 28 2008 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Smoothing filter for irregular update intervals |
| 8161278, | Mar 15 2005 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | System and method for distributing keys in a wireless network |
| 8175649, | Jun 20 2008 | Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd | Method and system for real time control of an active antenna over a distributed antenna system |
| 8176530, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LIMITED | Preventing a non-head end based service provider from sending media to a media processing system |
| 8184681, | Jan 11 2006 | Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd | Apparatus and method for frequency shifting of a wireless signal and systems using frequency shifting |
| 8194569, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Static update controller enablement in a mesh network |
| 8199446, | Oct 15 2004 | Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Circuit interrupting system with remote test and reset activation |
| 8212486, | Feb 19 2008 | Lutron Technology Company LLC | Smart load control device having a rotary actuator |
| 8218449, | Oct 13 2005 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | System and method for remote monitoring in a wireless network |
| 8219705, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Silent acknowledgement of routing in a mesh network |
| 8223783, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Using battery-powered nodes in a mesh network |
| 8223800, | Apr 18 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| 8233802, | Dec 31 2009 | AT&T Intellectual Property I, L P | Portable infrared control liaison |
| 8235755, | Sep 07 2003 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Modular outlet |
| 8238298, | Aug 29 2008 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Picking an optimal channel for an access point in a wireless network |
| 8238942, | Nov 21 2007 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Wireless station location detection |
| 8239066, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8243918, | Feb 16 2004 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Outlet add-on module |
| 8250587, | Oct 27 2005 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Non-persistent and persistent information setting method and system for inter-process communication |
| 8255086, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8255497, | Nov 03 2008 | Lincoln Global, Inc. | Method of discovery and communication with industrial equipment |
| 8260444, | Feb 17 2010 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | Auxiliary controller of a HVAC system |
| 8271102, | Sep 18 2008 | Schneider Electric Buildings AB | Control of concept zones |
| 8289991, | Apr 19 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 8295185, | Nov 13 2002 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Addressable outlet for use in wired local area network |
| 8295981, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Device commissioning in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8300652, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Dynamically enabling a secondary channel in a mesh network |
| 8325693, | Feb 28 2005 | Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd | System and method for carrying a wireless based signal over wiring |
| 8325759, | May 06 2004 | Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd | System and method for carrying a wireless based signal over wiring |
| 8340110, | Sep 15 2006 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Quality of service provisioning for wireless networks |
| 8351582, | Jul 20 1999 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Network for telephony and data communication |
| 8352080, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8352081, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8360810, | Sep 07 2003 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Modular outlet |
| 8363797, | Mar 20 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone outlet for implementing a local area network over telephone lines and a local area network using such outlets |
| 8386661, | Nov 18 2005 | LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO , INC | Communication network for controlling devices |
| 8427061, | Feb 19 2008 | Lutron Technology Company LLC | Smart load control device having a rotary actuator |
| 8433446, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8437877, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8437878, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8442693, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8452456, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8452906, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc. | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8457031, | Oct 13 2005 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | System and method for reliable multicast |
| 8463442, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc. | Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8463443, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc. | Memory recovery scheme and data structure in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8468165, | Dec 02 2007 | Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.; LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC | Method for discovering network of home or building control devices |
| 8473865, | Nov 20 2001 | Universal Electronics Inc. | User interface for a remote control application |
| 8485703, | Oct 30 2008 | B E AEROSPACE, INC | Aircraft cabin lighting system and kit therefor |
| 8489779, | Feb 08 2011 | Honeywell International Inc | Systems and methods for auto addressing in a control network |
| 8495180, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LIMITED | Server architecture supporting a personal media exchange network |
| 8509790, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Multi-speed mesh networks |
| 8514827, | Oct 13 2005 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | System and network for wireless network monitoring |
| 8516257, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LIMITED | Secure media peripheral association in a media exchange network |
| 8542819, | Feb 16 2004 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Outlet add-on module |
| 8543243, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8548630, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc. | Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8559422, | Apr 18 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| 8560125, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8564400, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8565417, | Feb 16 2004 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Outlet add-on module |
| 8582431, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Node repair in a mesh network |
| 8582598, | Jul 07 1999 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network for distributing data communication, sensing and control signals |
| 8591264, | Sep 07 2003 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Modular outlet |
| 8594133, | Oct 22 2007 | Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd | Communication system using low bandwidth wires |
| 8600558, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8600559, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc | Method of controlling equipment in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8611528, | Feb 16 2004 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Outlet add-on module |
| 8615326, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8626178, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Audio-visual system control using a mesh network |
| 8626251, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Audio-visual system energy savings using a mesh network |
| 8635444, | Mar 15 2005 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | System and method for distributing keys in a wireless network |
| 8638762, | Feb 08 2006 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | System and method for network integrity |
| 8655490, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8655491, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8661165, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | Device abstraction system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system |
| 8661489, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LIMITED | Media processing system supporting adaptive digital media parameters based on end-user viewing capabilities |
| 8670383, | Dec 28 2006 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | System and method for aggregation and queuing in a wireless network |
| 8692487, | Oct 30 2008 | B E AEROSPACE, INC | Aircraft cabin lighting system and kit therefor |
| 8694164, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc. | Interactive user guidance interface for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system |
| 8725298, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc. | Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and conditioning network |
| 8744629, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8755913, | Feb 19 2009 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N V | Lighting control network |
| 8761945, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Device commissioning in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8762666, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | Backup and restoration of operation control data in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8774210, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8786196, | Feb 19 2008 | Lutron Technology Company LLC | Load control system having a rotary actuator |
| 8788100, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | System and method for zoning a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8788104, | Feb 17 2010 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system with an auxiliary controller |
| 8798796, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | General control techniques in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8802981, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Flush wall mount thermostat and in-set mounting plate for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system |
| 8806209, | Dec 22 2012 | ARM CLOUD TECHNOLOGY, INC | Provisioning of electronic devices |
| 8818322, | Jun 09 2006 | Juniper Networks, Inc | Untethered access point mesh system and method |
| 8819845, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LIMITED | Preventing a non-head end based service provider from sending media to a media processing system |
| 8848725, | Apr 19 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 8855277, | Mar 20 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Telephone outlet for implementing a local area network over telephone lines and a local area network using such outlets |
| 8855825, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system |
| 8867506, | Apr 19 2000 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 8867523, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 8873575, | Apr 19 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 8873586, | Apr 19 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 8874815, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8885482, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Dynamically enabling a channel for message reception in a mesh network |
| 8885659, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 8885660, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 8892797, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8893186, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LIMITED | Media processing system based on satellite set top box platform with telephony downstream and upstream data paths |
| 8897215, | Feb 08 2009 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Communication system using cables carrying ethernet signals |
| 8902904, | Sep 07 2007 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Network assignment based on priority |
| 8908673, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 8929523, | Jul 20 1999 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network for telephony and data communication |
| 8955003, | May 19 2011 | EchoStar Technologies L.L.C. | Apparatus, systems and methods for a media device pre-operation |
| 8964747, | May 03 2006 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | System and method for restricting network access using forwarding databases |
| 8966018, | May 19 2006 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Automated network device configuration and network deployment |
| 8977794, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 8978105, | Jul 25 2008 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Affirming network relationships and resource access via related networks |
| 8982903, | Apr 19 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 8982904, | Apr 19 2000 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Network combining wired and non-wired segments |
| 8994539, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries, Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 9001653, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Node repair in a mesh network |
| 9030315, | Aug 29 2006 | OLLNOVA TECHNOLOGIES LTD | Binding methods and devices in a building automation system |
| 9075136, | Mar 04 1998 | NAVBLAZER, LLC | Vehicle operator and/or occupant information apparatus and method |
| 9100397, | Jul 23 2012 | Honeywell International Inc. | BACnet MS/TP automatic MAC addressing |
| 9152155, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system |
| 9166812, | Jan 31 2006 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Home electrical device control within a wireless mesh network |
| 9183560, | May 28 2010 | Reality alternate | |
| 9184960, | Sep 25 2014 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Frequency shifting a communications signal(s) in a multi-frequency distributed antenna system (DAS) to avoid or reduce frequency interference |
| 9191799, | Jun 09 2006 | TRAPEZE NETWORKS, INC | Sharing data between wireless switches system and method |
| 9253003, | Sep 25 2014 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Frequency shifting a communications signal(S) in a multi-frequency distributed antenna system (DAS) to avoid or reduce frequency interference |
| 9258702, | Jun 09 2006 | Juniper Networks, Inc | AP-local dynamic switching |
| 9261888, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 9268345, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 9325517, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system |
| 9338823, | Mar 23 2012 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) chip(s) for providing distributed antenna system functionalities, and related components, systems, and methods |
| 9357256, | Dec 11 2002 | AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LIMITED | Third party media channel access in a media exchange network |
| 9377768, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Memory recovery scheme and data structure in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 9432208, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Device abstraction system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system |
| 9515855, | Sep 25 2014 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Frequency shifting a communications signal(s) in a multi-frequency distributed antenna system (DAS) to avoid or reduce frequency interference |
| 9544707, | Feb 06 2014 | Sonos, Inc. | Audio output balancing |
| 9549258, | Feb 06 2014 | Sonos, Inc. | Audio output balancing |
| 9549301, | Jun 20 2008 | Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd | Method and system for real time control of an active antenna over a distributed antenna system |
| 9563394, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content from remote source for playback |
| 9569170, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content from multiple remote sources for playback |
| 9569171, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content from local and remote sources for playback |
| 9569172, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Resuming synchronous playback of content |
| 9574784, | Feb 17 2001 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Method of starting a HVAC system having an auxiliary controller |
| 9599359, | Feb 17 2010 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Integrated controller an HVAC system |
| 9632490, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | System and method for zoning a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 9651925, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | System and method for zoning a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network |
| 9658820, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Resuming synchronous playback of content |
| 9665343, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content based on control by multiple controllers |
| 9674879, | Dec 22 2012 | ARM CLOUD TECHNOLOGY, INC | Provisioning of electronic devices |
| 9678486, | Oct 27 2008 | Lennox Industries Inc.; Lennox Industries Inc | Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system |
| 9681223, | Apr 18 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Smart line-in processing in a group |
| 9686606, | Apr 18 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Smart-line in processing |
| 9727302, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content from remote source for playback |
| 9727303, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Resuming synchronous playback of content |
| 9727304, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content from direct source and other source |
| 9729115, | Apr 27 2012 | Sonos, Inc | Intelligently increasing the sound level of player |
| 9729341, | Oct 21 2009 | MSR-SOLUTIONS GMBH; DIEHL AKO STIFTUNG & CO , KG | Building automation and building information system |
| 9733891, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content from local and remote sources for playback |
| 9733892, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content based on control by multiple controllers |
| 9733893, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining and transmitting audio |
| 9734242, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Systems and methods for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices that independently source digital data |
| 9740453, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Obtaining content from multiple remote sources for playback |
| 9748646, | Jul 19 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Configuration based on speaker orientation |
| 9748647, | Jul 19 2011 | Sonos, Inc. | Frequency routing based on orientation |
| 9749760, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Updating zone configuration in a multi-zone media system |
| 9756424, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Multi-channel pairing in a media system |
| 9766853, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Pair volume control |
| 9778897, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Ceasing playback among a plurality of playback devices |
| 9778898, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Resynchronization of playback devices |
| 9778900, | Jul 28 2003 | Sonos, Inc. | Causing a device to join a synchrony group |
| 9781513, | Feb 06 2014 | Sonos, Inc. | Audio output balancing |
| 9787550, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Establishing a secure wireless network with a minimum human intervention |
| 9794707, | Feb 06 2014 | Sonos, Inc. | Audio output balancing |
| 9813229, | Oct 22 2007 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Communication system using low bandwidth wires |
| 9813827, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Zone configuration based on playback selections |
| 9836521, | Sep 28 2012 | PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO , LTD | Device classification method, device classification system, and device |
| 9838942, | Jun 09 2006 | Trapeze Networks, Inc. | AP-local dynamic switching |
| 9858595, | May 23 2002 | Gula Consulting Limited Liability Company | Location-based transmissions using a mobile communication device |
| 9860657, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Zone configurations maintained by playback device |
| 9864958, | Jun 29 2000 | GULA CONSULTING | System, method, and computer program product for video based services and commerce |
| 9866447, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Indicator on a network device |
| 9867260, | Jun 26 2013 | SAVANT SYSTEMS, INC | Lighting controller |
| 9928026, | Sep 12 2006 | Sonos, Inc. | Making and indicating a stereo pair |
| 9938765, | May 06 2004 | MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC | Automated shade control system interaction with building management system |
| 9948329, | Mar 23 2012 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) chip(s) for providing distributed antenna system functionalities, and related components, systems, and methods |
| 9954692, | Mar 13 2014 | Silicon Laboratories Inc | Method for triggered activation of an actuator |
| 9960969, | Jun 05 2004 | Sonos, Inc. | Playback device connection |
| 9977561, | Apr 01 2004 | Sonos, Inc | Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to provide guest access |
| 9996315, | May 23 2002 | GULA CONSULTING; Gula Consulting Limited Liability Company | Systems and methods using audio input with a mobile device |
| 9999116, | Jan 10 2014 | SIGNIFY HOLDING B V | Tablet-based commissioning tool for addressable lighting |
| D648641, | Oct 21 2009 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Thin cover plate for an electronic system controller |
| D648642, | Oct 21 2009 | Lennox Industries Inc. | Thin cover plate for an electronic system controller |
| D706726, | Jan 25 2012 | LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC | Load control with sensor and removable front panel |
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 5511188, | Jan 30 1990 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Networked facilities management system with time stamp comparison for data base updates |
| 5784555, | Apr 18 1996 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC | Automation and dial-time checking of system configuration for internet |
| 5815086, | Oct 20 1994 | Honeywell International Inc | Automated appliance control system |
| 6012088, | Dec 10 1996 | SNAPCHAT, INC | Automatic configuration for internet access device |
| 6029092, | Nov 21 1996 | RUSSOUND FMP, INC | System and method for providing modular control and for managing energy consumption |
| 6052750, | Jan 06 1998 | Sony Corporation | Home audio/video network for generating default control parameters for devices coupled to the network, and replacing updated control parameters therewith |
| 6175860, | Nov 26 1997 | LENOVO SINGAPORE PTE LTD | Method and apparatus for an automatic multi-rate wireless/wired computer network |
| 6314475, | Mar 04 1998 | Synaptics Incorporated | Method and apparatus for monitoring, controlling and configuring local communication devices |
| 6389464, | Jun 27 1997 | CORNET TECHNOLOGY INC | DEVICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR MANAGING STANDARDS-COMPLIANT AND NON-COMPLIANT NETWORK ELEMENTS USING STANDARD MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS AND A UNIVERSAL SITE SERVER WHICH IS CONFIGURABLE FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS VIA INTERNET BROWSER TECHNOLOGY |
| 6480510, | Jul 28 1998 | CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| 6516952, | May 13 1999 | HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L P | Dual mode serializer-deserializer for data networks |
| Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
| Jan 20 2000 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
| Jan 21 2000 | BONASIA, GAETANO | LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO , INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 011194 | /0807 | |
| Jan 21 2000 | ECKEL, DAVID P | LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO , INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 011194 | /0807 | |
| Jan 21 2000 | HEBEISEN, STEPHEN P | LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO , INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 011194 | /0807 | |
| Jan 21 2000 | MERNYK, ROSS | LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO , INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 011194 | /0807 |
| Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
| Jul 30 2008 | ASPN: Payor Number Assigned. |
| Jul 30 2008 | RMPN: Payer Number De-assigned. |
| Sep 18 2008 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
| Oct 04 2012 | M1552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Year, Large Entity. |
| Jan 06 2017 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
| May 31 2017 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
| Date | Maintenance Schedule |
| May 31 2008 | 4 years fee payment window open |
| Dec 01 2008 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| May 31 2009 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
| May 31 2011 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
| May 31 2012 | 8 years fee payment window open |
| Dec 01 2012 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| May 31 2013 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
| May 31 2015 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
| May 31 2016 | 12 years fee payment window open |
| Dec 01 2016 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| May 31 2017 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
| May 31 2019 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |